(Newser)
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A Staten Island couple looking to "scare straight" their unruly 6-year-old at a local police station had the tables turned when the police busted the pair for child endangerment. Annette Gerhardt took her daughter to the station house, telling her that was where bad children go, cops said. But when the mom asked the police to play along, they arrested both parents. "She told me that I was an unfit mother," the mom told the New York Daily News. "I sat there with tears in my eyes."

But according to prosecutors, Gerhardt was out of control, telling police: "I can't take her anymore. She is uncontrollable. I'm going to leave her here. If you don't take her, I will take her to the firehouse." Police "obviously had questions about their ability to supervise," said the commissioner. "It's an experience you just wished in that moment that you didn't do it—that you could just take it all back," said Gerhardt.

Poor kids. It's not like mommy and daddy getting arrested is going to do them any good.

justapirate

Feb 24, 2011 6:16 AM CST

The main thing she did wrong is not contact the police beforehand to see if they would play along. However, I'm sure she was only acting angry, which is why she said the things she reportedly did... but then again, that is only my guess.

Mr_Joshua

Feb 24, 2011 5:08 AM CST

A story. My two best friends, now 56 and 53 respectively, were caught shoplifting a yo-yo when they were 10 and 7. The shopkeeper called their dad, who then called the local police station and had a chat to the friendly Sargent (in the 60s in Australia, we all knew our local coppers) and made a deal. He then told the shopkeeper, who agreed not to press charges. David then collected his boys from the shop and took them down the the station, along with overnight bags and pajamas that he had packed and turned them over to the Sargent, telling them he had no choice because they had stolen and this was the law. The Sargent also told them that he had no choice and that they would have to go to jail. He then placed them in a cell and the father, David, kissed them goodnight through their tears and left. After 2 hours of tears, the Sargent told them that he would let them go if they promised never to steal again. Tearfully they agreed and David, came and picked them up and took them home. Not only did they never steal again, but they both went on to attain degrees and now tell the story to their kids. It became a family story that David would tell guests with pride. I knew David very well and know that his love for his boys was unsurpassed and if more parents behaved like this, the world would be a better place. Sadly now, if this were to happen today, the above scenario would not be possible and the world is worse off for this. Its a pity that parents today don't seem to care enough to go the extra mile like David did. Perhaps if they did, fewer kids would turn to crime. And you can call me...............Mr Joshua